As a resident of Whatcom County for almost 30 years I agree with supporters of the Gateway Pacific Terminal project that the need for good-paying, family-wage jobs is desperately needed here in our county. I live in very close proximity to the train tracks on Portal Way in Ferndale. Not only do I live at this location but I also run a business out of my house. I often hear that businesses will be negatively affected by coal trains here in our county. This has never been the case for me. Clients of mine have to cross the tracks to get to my salon. To date this has not cost me any business. It is worth noting to those in opposition that in both Bellingham and Ferndale there are routes over and below the tracks. If waiting a few minutes for a train to pass is so inconvenient for you, then I suggest you take alternate routes. Long before I arrived trains have been traveling through to Canada carrying coal and other commodities. Building a terminal here in Ferndale would be a great addition to our local economy. With or without the terminal the trains will continue to come. I suggest we build the terminal and reap the benefits associated with a terminal.

Neva Lowe

Ferndale